Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Peaceful

Peaceful but highly energetic and constantly moving, especially at night. Their active nature might stress out more timid or slow-moving bottom dwellers. They are not aggressive or territorial, but their predatory instinct means tiny tankmates are at risk.

Diet

Carnivore

Omnivorous and highly opportunistic bottom feeders. They enthusiastically consume sinking pellets, wafers, and a variety of frozen or live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. A varied diet is essential to maintain their striking coloration and overall health.

Sex ratio

School

No specific sex ratio is required for a typical display aquarium, as they do not breed or show significant territorial aggression towards each other. They prefer to be kept in groups of at least 3 to 5 individuals to feel secure and display natural schooling behaviors. Keeping them in groups also reduces their overall shyness.

Feeding frequency

Once daily

Should be fed once or twice daily, preferably in the evening or when lights are out since they are primarily nocturnal. Ensure food reaches the bottom before surface-dwelling tankmates consume it all. Fasting them one day a week can help prevent overfeeding and digestive issues.

Bioload

High

High bioload because they are active, relatively large (around 5 inches), and have hearty appetites. They produce a significant amount of waste, requiring excellent filtration and regular water changes. Overfeeding can quickly degrade water quality if not monitored.

Flow

Strong

They enjoy moderate to strong water flow, which simulates the currents of their native South American rivers. Good oxygenation is crucial for their well-being, so adding air stones or powerheads is beneficial. The flow also helps keep the substrate clean, which is important for their sensitive barbels.

Jump risk

No

Reproduction

Impossible (never documented)

Breeding in the home aquarium is extremely rare and poorly documented. In the wild, they likely scatter eggs among vegetation or substrate, but the exact triggers remain unknown. Most specimens available in the trade are wild-caught or bred in large commercial ponds with hormone injections.

Compatibility & tankmates

With caution

Generally peaceful but will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like neon tetras). Best kept with medium-sized, fast-moving fish such as larger tetras, barbs, or peaceful cichlids. They should not be kept with aggressive species that might nip their long, sensitive barbels.

Tank level

Bottom

They are primarily bottom dwellers, spending most of their time patrolling the substrate. However, they are very active and will occasionally swim in the mid-water column, especially during feeding time or when the lights are dim. Providing ample hiding spots like caves or driftwood near the bottom is essential.